In May 2024 the Rotary Club of Emerald and Dist. formally launched an EarlyAct Club at Emerald Primary School. EarlyAct is a service club for primary school students in Years 5 and 6.
The idea being that students work together to make a positive change in the community. The club provides them with life skills, teaches them how to help their community, learning about fundraising and opens their eyes to what is going on in their community.
Last year 23 students joined, now in a new school whereby the members of the Club have changed, an Induction and Presentation ceremony took place On Friday 21 March during school morning assembly at Emerald Secondary College.
The club is in its second year with an increased membership of 38 students from Years 5 and 6.
As part of the Induction the students received badges and certificates from Emerald and District Rotary President, Kelly McAllister, and the Head of the Rotary Youth Committee, Marcus Adams.
The club is divided into four groups – which are: Emerald Primary School; the Emerald community; the international community; and the environment. Each group oversees a different project.
Whilst in the process of formulating new projects for the current year, the students are continuing to fundraise for a new tap on the school oval, a 2024 initiative.
This project is open to everyone and anyone who would like to assist can do so by nominating Emerald Primary School when they recycle containers through the Container Deposit Scheme at the Emerald SES.
So far, the students have raised approximately $300 for the new tap through the Container Deposit Scheme, but are aiming for $1000.
To boost fundraising, the students have also come up with a ‘Donate Your Small Change for a Big Change’ project, with each classroom receiving an empty two litre bottle in which small change can be deposited.
This project will run throughout term two and should help EarlyAct reach its fundraising goal for the new tap.
EarlyAct is coordinated by Rotary members Kerith Cummins and Ali Bowyer with Rotary Youth Chair Marcus Adams, and Emerald Primary School staff Jacquie Forsythe and Hollie Boniface.
